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AJC.com > Metro > View from the cop > Archives > 2008 > February > 13
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Pay attention to this mindless humor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Steve Martin once said “Comedy may be big business but it isn’t pretty.”
That’s true—especially if it’s not funny. Funny is in the eyes (and ears) of the beholder. There are some universal funny-isms such as small kids hitting dad in the crotch with a wiffle-ball bat or drunk guys with mullets running from the cops. (As you may know, in my experience, they tend to run slightly to the left meaning they’ll be back sooner or later.)
There are few funny people that I like to read—“funny” being the key word. I guess my favorite mindless reading comes from Dave Barry. He hits the hard issues like why is there a giant eyeball on the dollar bill? (There are only a few of us who really want to know that.)
I occasionally read Lewis Grizzard’s column. I enjoyed his views on the ridiculous.
Another humorist that I enjoy reading and now listening to is Red Neckerson. If you are one of the two or so dozen people who are actually from Atlanta, you’ll remember Red was a daily contributor on the Gary McKee morning radio show. He started in Atlanta with WQXI as program director. Red’s opinion, on just about anything, was never wishy-washy. He was never on the fence no matter how confused he might have been at the time.
Red, among other things, is a great one of those, who I like to call, “perspective writers.” Somewhere along the line, he gives his perspective. Sometimes his “perspective” could be called bitching. It’s not what you bitch about— it’s how you finesse it. He is a regular columnist for the Hudspeth Report, a local paper covering bars, restaurants and who went to them, what they did, who threw up afterwards.
(What a great job. You go out to the bars and you write about it. How would it go: “Last night I covered the opening of the Sacred Goose Bar and Grille in downtown Ball Ground. All of the city’s social upper crust were on hand, dancing to the music of Skeet Jacobs and his Magical Dulcimer.
The “Goose” although elegant, is affordable. Of course, prices will go up with time, but they still classify as “affordable,” especially since an ample mixed “mystery” salad or soup (spoons extra) is included with the entrees for both lunch and dinner. (Dinner comes with a complimentary raffle ticket for a NASCAR die-cast race car on Saturdays only.) The after-dinner entertainment included “Nick Skinner and the Bombay Beatniks” belting out Slim Whitman’s greatest hits until 11 p.m. when Nick, according to the court order, had to be home.”)
The Hudspeth Report had a section of bars and restaurants opening and those that were closing. In between there were a lot of photos of fine looking girls, talking, smiling, and holding drinks as they posed. Beside them were the guys who paid for the drinks. In the photo, the guys aren’t smiling as much as the girls. I think it’s because it was getting late and they had just realized they blew $150 for what was likely to be a handshake at the end of the date.
My favorite part of the report was reading Red Neckerson’s column. Being a fan of mindless humor, I enjoy his complete observations of what you may think are subjects that have already been completely discussed. Regardless of what you think you may know about something, Red’s perspective will cover uncharted territory.
I‘ve known Red for a few years now. His grandson played baseball for me for a number of years. I know his wife “Nectarine” and one of his “Yard Apes.” Red is a quiet guy. At first he sort of keeps to himself but when approached, he normally puts the gun down, and engages in whatever topic comes up. Unfortunately, we’re always at a baseball game so as coach I don’t have too much time to chat. I’m needed on the field to conduct coach’s duties such as spitting.
Aside from his columns, Red could be heard on Capt’n Herb Emory’s Nascar Racing Show on AM 750 WSB. If you’re a NASCAR fan, check out Red’s CD entitled: “Red Neckerson—Stock Car Comedy.” Check them out at www.redneckerson.com.
